We are Helen and Jacqui, fully qualified driving instructors covering the Bristol and South Gloucestershire areas.
Do you want to learn to drive but are feeling a bit nervous? Or maybe your previous lessons stalled? Would you like to refresh your knowledge, or take on a new challenge such as driving on the motorway?
Whatever the reason you’ve come to us, we are happy to welcome you. We teach in a calm, safe environment, with plenty of tips and support to help get you where you want to go: whether that’s to test, or back on the roads if you’ve lost your confidence - or even your licence.
See the different types of lessons we offer below.
Bradley Stoke, Brentry, Filton, Frampton Cottrell, Henbury, Horfield, Kings Weston, Patchway, Little Stoke, Southmead, Stoke Gifford, Westbury on Trym, Winterbourne, Yate.
If you are not sure if we cover your area, please ask.
In a lesson you and your instructor will agree a plan, identify some goals, then work together in order to achieve them. You will decide an appropriate route, and discuss what you need to do in order to progress. Then it’s practice, practice, practice, until… job done!
You will train in a modern, manual transmission car, with dual controls* (*the instructor has an extra brake and clutch to help control the car). If you are a full licence holder, you may opt to remove the L plates.
There can be a lot of reasons lessons are not working. Regular practice is the key to learning to drive, so if you have not been able to keep up weekly/fortnightly lessons, you may need to take a break and come back to it once your situation has improved.
Complaints about anything company related can be emailed to hello@tophatdrivingschool.co.uk.
Complaints about either the way the theory or driving test have been carried out need to be made to the DVSA direct. Note, a complaint will not change the result of your test.
Have had a break from driving? Check your standard with us.
Prepare for the UK driving test
Learn car control and manoeuvres
Understand road signs and markings
Drive on dual carriageway and/or motorway
Learn in different weather conditions
Practice mock tests
Understand basic car maintenance
Recap/learn parking manoeuvres
Motorways
Country lanes
City driving
Tell us your requirements. We offer a judgement free environment to help you find your feet.
We offer lessons for the following clients. It’s important you discuss any of the below and medications taken before booking your first lesson.
ADHD
Anxiety
Autism
D/deaf or hard of hearing
Depression
Diabetes
Dyslexia
Dyspraxia
Pass Plus is a practical training course that takes at least 6 hours and is designed for drivers to improve their skills and drive more safely. If you have pass plus, insurers may offer discounts.
The course isn’t compulsory, and there is no formal test, but to receive the Pass Plus certificate you will need to have reached the required standard when your instructor assesses you at the end of each of the 6 modules.
We offer various PDI sponsorship, training and franchise options. Chat to us about your requirements.
Have questions? Contact us hello@tophatdrivingschool.co.uk
Kind and considerate teaching from Jacqui at all times. My daughter felt safe and completely relaxed with her. Millie passed first time with only 1 fault. A massive thank you to Jacqui for getting Millie through this and giving her her freedom.
by Alison
Helen is hands down the best, she’s incredibly friendly and is so relaxing to be around. She knew how to put my nerves at ease and I wouldn’t have passed if it weren’t for her. She is brilliant at picking up where you need improvement and will make you bite the bullet and step outside your comfort zone, and I always felt so safe and she gave me the confidence boost that I needed when I needed it. You won’t find a better instructor in Bristol! 5 stars.
by Holly
Really recommend! Jacqui was the nicest person, made you feel really at ease never made a lesson stressful or made you feel tense! Helped me pass within 5 months😍 Thank you xx
by Abbie-May
Just passed today with the help of the amazing Jacqui! She's been fantastic! very patient and understanding of my nerves and an all-around lovely person. I highly recommend her to anyone learning or refreshing their driving skills! Thank you so much Jacqui!
by Shelley
I had Jacqui as my driving instructor and she was absolutely amazing, so patient and calm, such a lovely woman. I really enjoyed my time with her and will miss our lessons now that I’ve passed. Thank you Jacqui!
by Kirsty
Helen is a fantastic driving instructor. Switching from a previous instructor to her was the best decision I made and I couldn’t have asked for a more professional and lovely instructor! Would recommend her driving school to anyone.
by Alyshia
Top Hat are really personable and I would thoroughly recommend them as a driving school. Helen was absolutely lovely and a joy to learn with; she made me feel totally at ease (as much as possible for me!) and as a nervous person about driving, her calm instructions and prompts really helped me out. I’m looking forward to driving - thanks to Top Hat 💗
by Sophie
I really recommend Jacqui as a driving instructor, she is so clear with her instructions and made learning to drive in Bristol feel so much less daunting. She helped me become a confident driver and I'm so grateful for all her support along the way!
by Becky
Can't praise Helen enough! I was such a nervous learner and she just put me totally at ease. My lessons with her became the highlight of my week and she has taught me to love driving.
by Natalia
I cannot recommend Top Hat enough. I had Jacqui as my instructor and Helen take me to test. Both brilliant instructors – kind, calm and helped me feel confident behind the wheel. Thank you so much!
by Becky D
100% Recommended. Took lessons for a while and managed to pass first time would recommend to anyone who asks, had a great time learning how to drive. Thanks again.
by James
After previously trying to learn to drive twice before, many years ago with different instructors, I had never felt confident enough to go to test. But Jacqui made me feel so much more comfortable & relaxed behind the wheel than my other instructors had. She was kind & patient & explained everything clearly. Thanks to her brilliant teaching, when it came to my test I passed first time. I highly recommend Jacqui as a driving instructor!
by Jacqueline
I was really nervous about taking my driving test but Jacqui helped me to prepare brilliantly! She has been really patient and showed me how to trust my skills and believe in myself a little bit more! ... Jacqui was really understanding of my nerves and anxiety in a test environment and helped me to handle it so I could stay focus during my test! I really recommend this school if like me, struggle with the nerves!
by Maciej
This is the driving school you want to be in!!! ...[Jacqui] has an incredible ability to create a relaxed and safe environment, allowing me to learn with confidence. Not only have I learned the skills needed to pass, but I've also had an incredible amount of fun along the way. Thank you, Jacqui, for your outstanding guidance and for making this experience truly unforgettable.
by Marvin
I can certainly recommend Jacqui. My daughter has just passed her driving test first time. As a very quiet person Lucy was always made to feel at ease and actually enjoyed her lessons. Jacqui was always very friendly but professional at all times. Thank you so much.
by Julie
Recently passed first time with Top Hat! Had a big problem with my confidence when driving so came to Jacqui at top hat and she helped really perfect my skills and was really patient and supportive. I feel so much more confident in my driving and went into my test with all the skills I needed. I passed first time and couldn't recommend Top Hat more!
by Ed
Helen is the best driving instructor out there. She will talk you through everything you need to know step by step until you understand and she is extremely patient. I couldn't of done it without her!!
by Kelsey
Jacqui is a highly professional driving instructor with a client-oriented teaching approach. She never gave up on me and tried every possible way to help. Her patience is truly remarkable. I'm proud to have been her student, and I’ll always remember everything she taught me — every little detail. What she’s taught me will benefit me for a lifetime.
by Lai
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